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Washington Driver’s License & Permit FAQ

How Can I Apply for my WA Driver’s License? Frequently Asked Questions

How old should I be when I apply for my driver’s license in Washington?

If you are enrolled in a traffic safety course, you may apply for your permit at age 15. If you are not enrolled in a driver’s safety course, you must be at least 15 ½ before getting your permit. You must be at least 16 before applying for your license.

What type of documents should I have when I apply for a license in Washington?

What is the Washington DOL office contact information?

If you need to contact the Washington DOL office, you can email them at exams@dol.wa.gov or you may call them at 360-902-3900.

Who should bring me for my permit test in Washington?

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign a Parental Authorization Statement allowing you to apply for a permit. For that reason, they should bring you.

Do I need a physical in order to get a license in Washington?

No. A physical isn’t needed when getting a license in Washington.

Will I be required to have a vision test before getting my license in Washington?

Yes, you will be required to take a vision test which includes color recognition.

Where do I go to take my driver’s license photo in Washington?

You will take your driver’s license photo at the Washington DOL office.

How can I apply for my Washington driver’s license?

Here’s how to apply for your Washington driver’s license:

Be at least 15 and enrolled in a traffic safety course in order to get a permit, 15 ½ if not enrolled in a traffic safety course in order to get a permit, and 16 to get a license.

Pass a traffic safety education course -- if under 15 ½.

Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying for a license.

Get at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (including 10 hours at night) with someone who has been licensed for at least 5 years.

What should I do next after applying for my Washington driver’s license?

Ok, so you have completed step 1 in the driver’s license process, which is obtain a learner’s permit. Your next step now would be to get at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (including 10 hours at night) with someone who has been licensed for at least 5 years.

How can I best study for the Washington permit test?

Will I need driver’s education when getting my license in Washington?

Yes, you will need it if you are under 15 ½. The minimum requirement is 30 hours of classroom instruction and five hours of training in a car. Four of those five hours should be spent driving rather than observing.

What sort of documents do I need when I go in to take my written test in Washington?

Signed certificate from driving instructor, if enrolled in a driver’s education class.

Proof of address

Social Security number

How much is the Washington permit test?

The cost varies by location. Check with your testing location for the exact amount.

Will my parents have to bring me for my Washington learner’s permit?

Yes, your parent or legal guardian should accompany you if you are under 18. They need to fill out the Parental Authorization Affidavit that says you have permission to get a license.

What do I need to know in order to pass the Washington written test?

The permit test will cover the rules of the road and more. You should know laws regarding daily traffic situations, routine stops, DUI’s, and more.

How many questions are there on the Washington permit test?

There are 40 questions on the test. In order to pass, you have to score at least 32 correctly.

How will I know if I’ve passed the Washington permit test?

You’ll take the knowledge test at a computer. The computer will score you after you finish. You must get 32 out of 40 questions correct.

How many questions am I allowed to get wrong on the Washington permit test?

You can’t miss more than 8 questions. That means you must answer at least 32 questions correctly.

What are common mistakes made on the Washington permit test?

All kinds of mistakes are made on the permit test. Often times, applicants overlook sections of the manual that give important information such as:

DUI laws

Distances, speeds and measurements

Routine traffic stops by law enforcement

Will I be allowed to use the manual on the Washington permit test?

No. You must be able to pass this test on your own.

Is a drug test required when getting a permit in Washington?

No. There is no drug test in the Washington licensing process.

Where can I see some feedback from people who have already passed their Washington permit test?

Visit one of the permit practice tests above and scroll down to see the Facebook comments section -- those were left by people who have already passed the DOL test or are still getting ready for it. Good luck!

What’s going to happen if I fail my Washington permit test?

Failing your permit test isn’t the end of the world. If there’s enough time, you can take it again in 4 hours.

When can I take the Washington permit test again if I fail?

The first time you fail, you can take it again in 4 hours. The second time you fail, you can take it again in 1 day. You must pay a fee each time you retake it. Check with your testing location for the exact amount.

Who can ride in the car with me if I only have a Washington permit?

There must be a licensed driver at least 21, with no less than 5 years driving experience, in the car with you at all times.

Are there any restrictions on my Washington license after I get it?

Here are the restrictions:

For the first 6 months -- You cannot have passengers under 20 unless they are immediate family.

For the first 12 months – You can’t have more than 3 people in the car with you under 20 years old. You can’t drive between 1a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are with a licensed driver at least 25 years old.

Never use a cell phone.

May I drive anywhere in Washington with a learner’s permit?

Definitely. You are encouraged to drive in different places and situations in order to get adequate behind -the -wheel training. Always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21, with no less than 5 years of driving experience.

After I pass my Washington written test, what happens?

Great! Now that you have your permit, it’s time to get some practice in. Between now and the next 6 months, get at least 50 hours of driving practice while supervised by a licensed driver 25 or older. Ten of these hours must be at night.

May I wear my contacts/glasses on the Washington road test?

Yes. You should wear corrective lenses if that is what you normally use to see with.

Can I have someone else in the car with me during my Washington road test?

The only person allowed in the car with you is the examiner.

What will happen if I fail my driving exam several times in Washington?

It all depends on your results. The 1st time you fail, you can take it again in 1 week. The 2nd time you fail, you can take it again in 1-3 weeks. The 3rd time you fail, you can take it again after 3 months.

What will happen after I pass my Washington road test?

You will be issued a temporary license that will be valid for 45 days. Your original one will arrive in the mail in 7 -10 days.

What limitations will be on my Washington driver’s license after I get it?

Here are the limitations:

For the first 6 months -- You can’t have passengers under 20 unless they are immediate family.

For the first 12 months – You can’t have more than 3 people in the car with you under 20 years old. You can’t drive between 1a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are with a licensed driver at least 25 years old. You aren’t allowed to use a cell phone (this includes wireless devices also).

Is there anything I should keep in mind when driving in Washington for the first time?

When driving in Washington for the first time, remember these things:

Don’t drink and drive

Don’t roll through stop signs

Drive defensively

What is the best type of car insurance to get in Washington?

The best type of car insurance in Washington will include:

Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000/$50,000

Property Damage Liability: $10,000

What will I need in order to get car insurance in Washington?

Different insurance companies will ask for different things based on their company’s policies. You will more than likely need to provide your driver’s license number, driver’s education (if any), car type and class, and address.

What’s the average cost of car insurance in Washington?

The average yearly premium in Washington is $1279.

Where can I find the cheapest car insurance in Washington?

Washington is actually becoming less expensive for car insurance compared to the other states. Many consumers in Washington have come with a list of the worst car insurance companies based on experiences and prices. Here are 7 of them.

Mid-century Insurance Company (A Farmers Insurance Group Company)

Alpha Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Patriot General Insurance Company

Sentinel Insurance Company LTD

Omni Insurance Company

Workmen’s Auto Insurance Company

Financial Indemnity Company

The better ones in Washington are:

Esurance

Geico

Progressive

Allstate

American Family

Safeco

Why is car insurance so expensive with a new license in Washington?

New drivers have it tough when it comes to car insurance. Washington however, has lower premiums compared to the other 50 states. It ranks 35th out of the 50 states. Premiums average around $1279.

When can I retake the Washington road test if I fail?

The 1st time you fail, you can take it again in 1 week. The 2nd time you fail, you can take it again in 1-3 weeks. The 3rd time you fail, you can take it again after 3 months. You should practice before going back to take your test again.

If I fail my Washington road test, what happens?

You won’t get your license. How long you must wait to retake your test will depend on your test results.

Do I need to take the written test again when I go to renew my license in Washington?

I’m Moving to Washington! Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a road test when I move to Washington from another state, for example Texas?

Glad to have you in Washington! You have 30 days after becoming a resident to get a Washington state driver’s license. If your license is valid, you do not have to take a road test. You must provide proof of identity, Social Security Number and a licensing fee -- the cost varies by location. You must also pass a vision test.

Is my out-of-state learner’s permit valid in Washington?

Washington recognizes out-of-state instructional permits. The permit must be valid and you must be with a licensed driver 21 or older.

May I drive in Washington with my out-of-state license?

Yes, as long as your license is valid in your state of residence.

May I drive in Washington with my out-of-country license?

If you are…

Visiting Washington from another country; your license is valid for 1 year.

From Germany, South Korea, or British Columbia; you may simply obtain a Washington state license by following the same steps as anyone else would from another state.

From any other country, you will have to begin your licensing process at Step 1.

How can I find more information about driving in Washington?

Find the answers to your questions on Washington State’s website at http://www.dol.wa.gov/.

Here’s What Other Learners From WA Are Saying:

"I passed the test the first time without retaking it. I highly recommend this site to anyone taking the knowledge test for their first permit!"

Melissa C., Seattle, Washington

"This website is most helpful! I read the guide once and took all the practice tests. Today I passed the actual knowledge test with a 98%"

Nini Osaze-Q., Spokane, Washington

"Went through the questions once and passed with 93%!! Awesome material, thanks for all the help!"

Anshuman A., Tacoma, Washington

"Extremely helpful site for knowledge test. I did all Practice Tests 1 to 5 and the 150qn Marathon Test. I passed on my first attempt! All the questions that came out were almost the word for word identical! Recommended!!!"

Rachel T., Vancouver, Washington

"I had been trying to study from the Washington State Driving Booklet, but I was never able to remember anything from what I was reading. However, once I found this website I was able to learn the material with constant feedback and learn everything significantly faster. I passed my test!! Thank to this website I was able to skip pass expensive classes and achieve good results!"

Brennan B., Bellevue, Washington

"I took the test three hours ago, and passed with 22/25. Thanks to this website because I didn't read the handbook at all!!! Instead I did all the tests until I could score at least 24/25 in the test simulator. Thanks again and good luck to everyone!"

Yuyan Shui, Washington

"These tests were extremely helpful. I took all of them until I could pass them multiple times with 100%. I passed the knowledge test, 23/25 correct. I didn't even read the book all the way through. But you definitely should, then come here for the practice tests! I learned a lot from the tests alone. Thanks!"

Eva Vargas, Washington

"Words can not explain how helpful this site was to me, However my experience can. I've studied the practice test online for a week straight, the answers i got incorrect i studied more. I won't suggest that you have a photographic memory because its not the exact same but its definitely similar... guess that why it's called the simulator lol. Anyway i went to go and take the test I've passed and gained a learners permit, i know you can do the same with just a little practice on this website. Hope this helps you like it has helped me."

Telia Withers, Washington

"I needed to take my permit test for the first time so I used these practice tests to study and I passed with 91%. I just took all the tests available in my state a couple times and I was able to retain all the information. This website was certainly helpful and I really do recommend it. I will be showing this website to my younger siblings when it is their turn to take the permit test. Thanks!"

Alex R, Washington

"I knew from the moment I walked into the room that I was going to pass the written test. After many hours of studying the online tests and getting all 100s, I knew I had to get my permit. And I did! Thank you, Driving-tests.org!"

Adam Smith, Washington

"The WA DOL practice tests were very helpful to ace my first time driver's license written test. I highly recommend it for those who want to be familiar with American road rules."

Alex Pepino, Washington

"This thing actually works! I only used a book maybe twice for three months! Totally aced it, no wrong answers, and I'm feeling amazing for my next test! Thanks!!"

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